Warm, sticky days in Honaunau

A word about Wyndham: the resort experience here in Kailua-Kona has been instrumental in changing my views on this particular time-share destination. Or, I should say: the people here, like Tina and Kelau, have given me pause... I still wouldn't recommend Time-Share to anyone, but at least it's not as bad as it could be. In fact, it's been quite pleasant here in Kailua-Kona.

Well, the hospitality has, anyway. The weather has been... sticky. Muggy. Hot. The atmosphere is hazy, like there's a storm trying to happen somewhere close by.

We meandered down to Kealakekua Bay, and then drove slowly over to Honaunau Bay, or "Pu'uhonua O'Honaunau"... City of Refuge. Slower than usual... most roads here seem to be between 35 and 45 mph-limited.
We got there just before a busload of French and German tourists arrived, so the place was pretty busy. A very well-informed park ranger was having a talk about the history of the Ali`i and the Kapu and what the challenges were for those running for their lives to seek refuge at this spot: excellent historical perspective!

We had a bit of a sticky-beak, but it was pretty hot - becoming uncomfortably so - so we hopped back in the car and went on a quest for food. Thought perhaps there might be something to eat in Hookena, but "nomo geht nahtheeng" (there were only minimal food services), so after dipping our toes in the incredibly warm water:

[going to insert video here soon]

... we headed back up the hill. Lo and behold, there was a BBQ place (Big Jakes - he gets 4.5 green dots from Trip Advisor!) ... Julia and I had a pulled-pork sandwich that was about the best we'd ever had, ever, anywhere:

Julia was in bliss - Nanny pretty much is saying: "stick with the pulled pork, here..."

Shopping on this side of the island is definitely more expensive... same shops (like Macy's, sort-of like Myers or David Jones at home), four times as dear for the same thing!